Combination backpack and stool

Abstract

A combination backpack and stool is provided with a frame having a seat-defining member upon which a user may sit, a ground-engageable member for supporting the frame upon a surface, and an upright pedestal member rigidly coupled to and between the seat-defining member and the ground-engageable member so as to establish a space therebetween. A flexible material encloses the defined space to provide a storage compartment for articles. A pair of shoulder straps are attached to the frame and thus allow a user to carry the frame in the form of a backpack. When periodically resting, however, the frame may be set upon the ground so that the user can sit and rest upon the seat-defining member.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A combination backpack and stool comprising: a frame having a seat-defining member upon which a user may sit, a ground-engageable pair of legs which cross at a central region thereof for supporting the frame upon a surface, and an upright column having (i) one end rigidly connected to said pair of legs at said central region thereof, and (ii) an opposite end rigidly connected to said seat-defining member so as to establish a space between said seat-defining member and said ground engageable pair of legs;   a flexible material connected to said frame and enclosing said space between said seat-defining member and said ground-engageable pair of legs to provide a storage compartment for articles; and   a pair of shoulder straps connected to said frame to allow carrying of said combination stool and backpack upon a user'back.   
     
     
       2. A combination stool as in claim 1, wherein said fabric material includes an access opening, and means for closing said access opening. 
     
     
       3. A combination stool and backpack as in claim 1 wherein said pair of legs includes feet for engaging a surface upon which the frames rests. 
     
     
       4. A combination stool and backpack as in claim 1, wherein said frame is a one-piece structure formed of a plastics material. 
     
     
       5. A combination stool and backpack comprising: a frame having a seat, legs for engaging the ground, and an upright pedestal column having one end joined to said legs and another end joined to said seat;   a flexible material having side panels joined to said seat along a perimetrical edge thereof to establish lateral bounds of a space defined between the legs and the seat, and having a bottom panel joined to said side panels which establishes a bottommost extent of said space, wherein said side and bottom panels of said flexible material and said seat collectively define a storage compartment in which articles may be placed; and   a pair of carrying straps attached to said frame structure to allow said frame to be carried upon a person's back.   
     
     
       6. A combination backpack and stool as in claim 5, wherein said fabric material includes an access opening, and means for closing said access opening. 
     
     
       7. A combination stool and backpack as in claim 5, wherein said legs include feet for engaging a surface upon which the frame rests. 
     
     
       8. A combination stool and backpack as in claim 5, wherein said frame is a one-piece structure formed of a plastics material. 
     
     
       9. A combination stool and backpack as in claim 5, wherein said seat includes a concavity in an upper surface thereof.